Detecting Vapes: Examining strategies schools are using to try to stop teen vaping

(InvestigateTV) — Tobacco use among U.S. middle and high schoolers recently hit a 25-year low, according to the 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey.

The Centers for Disease Control attributes that decline to a significant drop in the number of students using E-cigarettes, down about half a million from 2023 to 2024.

Despite that progress, E-cigarettes remain the most commonly used tobacco product among young people in grades six through 12.

Experts say it means there’s more work to do, and it will take a team effort from regulators, educators, and parents.

Some school systems are utilizing vape detectors in bathrooms and other areas of campus to try to deter students from vaping.

The group ‘Parents against Vaping E-Cigarettes’ told InvestigateTV+ they believe vape detectors are far from foolproof and worry that students will eventually be able to outsmart the devices.

They also say schools need partnerships with families on the front end.

“That’s why I think it’s important that the parents are educated as well because it can’t just all happen in school,” said Donna Bartlett of Parents Against Vaping. “It has to happen in school and it has to happen at home.”

Reporter Heather Graf examines whether the tech designed to deter vaping in schools is enough, plus the other tools educators are using to try to keep kids from getting hooked.

Vaping Prevention & Cessation Resources

The American Lung Association provides free online vaping prevention resources for educators and families. To learn more about cessation programs designed to help teens quit, click here.

Parents Against Vaping E-Cigarettes was founded by moms who now advocate to protect children from the dangers of vaping and hold frequent workshops and webinars for parents.

Potential Signs of Vaping Parents Can Watch for in Children

According to the American Lung Association, vaping can be easy to hide because it doesn’t leave the usual smell of tobacco.

Instead, parents should be aware of faint sweet or fruit-like smells in a child’s room.

Other indicators of vaping can include:

• Mood changes
• Increased irritability
• Restlessness
• Medical conditions such as pneumonia, nosebleeds and increased thirst
• Presence of unfamiliar online purchases

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